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Charges over Philippine massacre Charges over Philippine massacre
(10 minutes later)
A member of a powerful clan accused over a massacre of 57 people in the southern Philippines has been charged with multiple murders, prosecutors say.A member of a powerful clan accused over a massacre of 57 people in the southern Philippines has been charged with multiple murders, prosecutors say.
Andal Ampatuan Jr, a mayor from lawless Maguindanao province, surrendered last week and has denied involvement.Andal Ampatuan Jr, a mayor from lawless Maguindanao province, surrendered last week and has denied involvement.
Prosecutors say witnesses saw him lead gunmen in the 23 November massacre.Prosecutors say witnesses saw him lead gunmen in the 23 November massacre.
Those killed were trying to file nomination papers for a candidate challenging Mr Ampatuan in next year's gubernatorial elections.Those killed were trying to file nomination papers for a candidate challenging Mr Ampatuan in next year's gubernatorial elections.
The group - which included relatives of the candidate, lawyers and journalists - were taken to a remote hill region and shot at close range.The group - which included relatives of the candidate, lawyers and journalists - were taken to a remote hill region and shot at close range.
Their bodies were then dumped in shallow graves.Their bodies were then dumped in shallow graves.
Elections in the Philippines are often hit by violence but this incident has horrified the nation.Elections in the Philippines are often hit by violence but this incident has horrified the nation.
President Gloria Arroyo - who has received support in the past from the Ampatuan clan - has promised that the killers will be brought to justice.President Gloria Arroyo - who has received support in the past from the Ampatuan clan - has promised that the killers will be brought to justice.
Move requestedMove requested
Prosecutors say that Andal Ampatuan Jr has been charged with 25 counts of murder. Prosecutors say Andal Ampatuan Jr has been charged with 25 counts of murder.
They have filed the charges in Cotobato city, in the closest regional court to the massacre site.They have filed the charges in Cotobato city, in the closest regional court to the massacre site.
But they are expected to ask for the trial to be moved to the capital, Manila, for security reasons.But they are expected to ask for the trial to be moved to the capital, Manila, for security reasons.
About 20 other suspects, including senior members of the Maguindanao provincial police force and officers of Ampatuan township's force, are in custody and are being investigated.About 20 other suspects, including senior members of the Maguindanao provincial police force and officers of Ampatuan township's force, are in custody and are being investigated.
The Ampatuan family have effectively been in charge of Maguindanao for decades, analysts say.The Ampatuan family have effectively been in charge of Maguindanao for decades, analysts say.
Andal Ampatuan Sr has served in the Philippines Congress and won the governorship of Maguindanao unopposed for several terms.Andal Ampatuan Sr has served in the Philippines Congress and won the governorship of Maguindanao unopposed for several terms.
His son was reportedly planning a similarly unopposed run to replace his father when Ismael Mangudadatu decided to contest the office.His son was reportedly planning a similarly unopposed run to replace his father when Ismael Mangudadatu decided to contest the office.
Mr Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters and several key supporters were among the dead.Mr Mangudadatu's wife, his two sisters and several key supporters were among the dead.